How expectations influence brain training results
Examining the contributions of placebo effects in cognitive training
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · NIH-11111390
This project explores if the positive effects of brain training come from the training itself or from what people expect to happen.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MADISON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11111390 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many people use brain training to sharpen their thinking skills or to help prevent memory issues as they get older. This project wants to understand if the improvements seen from brain training are truly from the exercises or if they are partly due to what people expect to gain. It's challenging to conduct brain training studies where participants don't know if they are receiving the active training or a comparison activity, which could influence their results. By carefully looking at these 'placebo effects,' we hope to design more effective brain training programs in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project is relevant for healthy adults interested in cognitive training and those at risk for age-related memory decline or Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment for cognitive decline may not directly benefit from this foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help create more effective and honest brain training programs for everyone.
How similar studies have performed: While cognitive training has shown some benefits, the role of placebo effects in these outcomes is a subject of ongoing debate and this project aims to clarify it.
Where this research is happening
MADISON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON — MADISON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GREEN, CHRISTOPHER S — UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
- Study coordinator: GREEN, CHRISTOPHER S
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.